Tagged: Terriers

During this time of the year, thousands of college students enthusiastically support their respective football and basketball teams. These two sports seem to dominate the collegiate athletic scene across the country. However, at Boston University, hockey seems to be the standout sport. If you are not a hockey fan before you arrive in Boston, you’re likely to become one by the time you leave. Whether you are an avid Terrier fan or dismiss hockey altogether, it is impossible for you to avoid the notion that Boston College is our most hated opponent.

I was introduced to the rivalry between BC and BU while I was applying to BU a year ago. I didn’t think much of the rivalry because I was not an admirer of hockey. Now that I am a full-fledged Terrier, I realized that it is my duty to support my school’s contention with the Eagles.

This Sunday marks the Terriers’ first hockey game of the season against Boston College. It will also be my first time experiencing a BU vs. BC game, which I hear is a wild, spirited experience. After beating 5/6 North Dakota last Saturday, the 4-2-0 men’s hockey team looks to win again this Sunday at Agganis Arena. Last season, the BU men beat BC twice and lost to them twice. They’re also attempting to maintain their undefeated record, 2-0-0 at home and continue the solid play within their conference.

As a freshman, I am excited to just be able to experience all the hype surrounding the contentious rivalry. When I attended the BU vs. Providence game in mid-October, I was baffled at the anti-BC cheers despite the fact that BU was not playing BC at the time. (And I thought the Yankees-Red Sox rivalry was malicious…) Well, I have learned that BU is not shy when it comes to voicing its distaste of its rival.

School of Management freshman Abena Amoakuh echoed my excitementt:

“Oh man, I just bought my ticket,” she said. “I can’t wait to go to the game and cheer on my Terriers. I’m not really a hockey fan, but I’m all about school spirit and supporting our teams. I can’t wait to yell ‘BC sucks!’”

The good news for Terrier Nation is that BU leads BC in their head-to-head record. Since the first game contested between the two teams on Feb. 6, 1918, BU leads the series 127-114-17. I am confident that my first BU vs. BC game will be one to remember, hopefully with a Terrier win. Don’t let us down Terrier men, we don’t want bragging rights given to those wannabes in Chestnut Hill.

Over and over again I was told, “If you aren’t a hockey fan now, when you go to Boston University, you will be.” At the time I was dumbfounded, but after going to the first men’s hockey game of the season this past weekend, I understand what the fuss is about.

Agganis Arena hosts a multitude of musical shows, theatrical performances and, above all, hockey games. You can’t help but get excited at the echo of fans cheering as you ascend the staircase to the second level of the arena. Whether you arrive with friends or go alone, you’re going to have a good time regardless.

Terrier hockey / PHOTO BY HEATHER GOLDIN

A group of BU students in particular caught my attention, sitting in the first two rows of the arena.

School of Management freshman Cooper Davis said the hockey game is a “way to support your school and the BU Terriers working hard for the win.”

CGS freshman Dillon Schuyler said, “Hockey is the best sport on earth, and Boston University is the best college hockey team in the NCAA.”

PHOTO BY HEATHER GOLDIN

To say that BU has a lot of spirit would be an understatement. Coming from a high school without a cheer team or marching band, I find the passionate fans of BU Hockey a severe culture shock. There seems to be a constant current of spirit within the arena, even during a timeout. The BU Band plays recognizable songs in between whistles and breaks in the game. In addition, the dedicated fans have their own synchronized chants and motions to the music. It is quite a sight to see.

As an unspoken rule, the crowd never fails to cheer whenever Rhett the Terrier makes an appearance. There are fun challenges and competitions during breaks in the game, which Rhett is on the ice for. I had a blast at the game, and on my way out I passed by our university mascot.

Rhett the Terrier with Merissa Pico / PHOTO BY HEATHER GOLDIN

When you find yourself at a BU hockey game, there are a few things you should keep in the front of your mind:

1. Fact: No matter what team we’re playing, Boston College Sucks.

Learn it. Memorize it. And don’t forget it.

2. Get decked out in scarlet and white!

Showing up is one thing, but sporting your school colors is another great way to show school spirit.

3. Cheer. Loudly.

I think this one is self-explanatory. And if you go to enough games you are sure to learn every insulting chant Boston University students have thought of. If you ask me I find these chants entertaining to say the least.

Follow the Puck.

If you know what’s going on in the game, you are sure to have a better idea of why there are suddenly entire sections of fans going crazy. Then again, fans tend to cheer at the most random times (see tip number three).